Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • China’s Foreign Minister to Visit Four African Nations, Nigeria 

    China’s Foreign Minister to Visit Four African Nations, Nigeria 

    China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to visit Nigeria, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, and Namibia from January 5 to 11, 2024. 

    The visit continues a long-standing tradition of prioritizing Africa as the first destination for China’s top diplomat each year, now in its 35th consecutive year.  

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    This trip, initiated at the invitation of the respective governments, aims to foster stronger diplomatic ties and collaboration between China and these nations.

     It underscores China’s commitment to its partnership with the African continent in various areas of mutual interest.

  • NULGE Express Frustration Over Delay In LGA Financial Autonomy

    NULGE Express Frustration Over Delay In LGA Financial Autonomy

    The National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has expressed frustration over the six-month delay in implementing financial autonomy for local governments, despite a Supreme Court ruling that directed direct disbursement of funds.

     The July 2024 judgment invalidated the practice of governors controlling local government finances, ordering that funds be paid directly to local government accounts. 

    However, despite the ruling, governors have continued to handle the allocations, disregarding the court’s decision. 

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    NULGE National President, Hakeem Ambali, has called for immediate action from President Bola Tinubu to enforce the ruling, noting that the situation should have been resolved by October.

    Ambali also addressed recent promises that direct allocation would begin by the end of January 2025, citing the Nigerian Governors’ Forum’s visit to the President during the festive period.

     He urged the government to follow through on its commitment to end the practice of routing local government funds through state-level intermediaries.

    Furthermore, Ambali criticized governors such as Charles Soludo of Anambra and Alex Otti of Abia for attempting to pass laws counteracting the court’s decision, warning that such laws are illegal and cannot override the court’s verdict. 

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    In response to these challenges, a technical committee has proposed measures to improve transparency in the allocation process, including publishing monthly allocations in newspapers and creating oversight bodies.

     Ambali emphasized that local governments must control their finances directly, warning that any attempt to undermine this process would not succeed.

  • Fubara Draws the Line Amid Tensions with Wike’s Loyalists

    Fubara Draws the Line Amid Tensions with Wike’s Loyalists

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared his resolve to move forward despite escalating tensions with allies of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

     This stance follows months of friction, culminating in Fubara’s announcement that he will no longer tolerate actions he perceives as undermining his administration.  

    During the signing of the ₦1.1 trillion 2025 budget in Port Harcourt, Fubara addressed controversies surrounding the state’s legislative body. 

    He emphasized that the Assembly led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo remains the only recognized legislature, dismissing the legitimacy of 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

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    According to Fubara, their defection disqualifies them from reclaiming their seats.  

    Fubara acknowledged past efforts to reconcile differences but maintained that his focus remains on advancing Rivers State’s development.

     He highlighted achievements in infrastructure and set ambitious goals for education, health, and agriculture in 2025.  

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    The governor also commended the three-member Assembly for facilitating the budget process and praised his cabinet for their collaborative efforts. 

    He urged state officials to build on their 2024 accomplishments, promising to uphold the interests of Rivers State and deliver on key commitments to its citizens.

  • Rivers APC Opposes Fubara’s Budget Presentation, Warns of Growing Tensions

    Rivers APC Opposes Fubara’s Budget Presentation, Warns of Growing Tensions

    The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent budget presentation, calling it illegal. 

    The Governor presented the ₦1.18 trillion 2025 budget to only three members of the state assembly loyal to him, which the APC says violates legal and procedural norms.

     According to APC Chairman Tony Okocha, this move goes against a court ruling in January 2024, which recognized the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly as the legitimate legislative body for such matters.

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    Okocha expressed disappointment that the governor, with his experience in finance and governance, bypassed the full 30-member assembly, presenting the budget in a session that a court had deemed unlawful. 

    He described the event as a “forum of friends” rather than a legitimate legislative gathering, pointing out that it undermines the governance process in Rivers State. 

    He also criticized the governor for fostering division instead of promoting peace, noting that this could increase political tensions in 2025. 

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    Despite these challenges, Okocha emphasized that none of the 27 lawmakers who support former Governor Nyesom Wike have joined the APC, affirming their continued loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

  • Court Orders Arrest of Impeached South Korean President Yoon

    Court Orders Arrest of Impeached South Korean President Yoon

    A South Korean court has authorized the arrest of the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, following an investigation into his declaration of martial law on December 3. 

    The Corruption Investigation Office had been probing the decision after Yoon failed to respond to three requests for questioning. This marks the first time a sitting South Korean president has faced arrest.

    The office now has 48 hours to decide whether to extend Yoon’s detention or release him. 

    However, the Presidential Security Service has hindered investigators’ attempts to search the presidential office and Yoon’s residence, citing national security concerns.

    Yoon’s martial law declaration caused a national uproar and was reversed after just hours due to widespread opposition.

     The political turmoil escalated when the National Assembly voted for his impeachment on December 14, and the Constitutional Court is now reviewing the vote’s legality.

     Choi Sang Mok has been acting president since Friday after lawmakers removed the acting president Han Duck Soo.

  • Tinubu Hails NNPCL As Warri Refinery Begins Operations 

    Tinubu Hails NNPCL As Warri Refinery Begins Operations 

    The year is ending on a high for Nigeria as President Tinubu revels the pleasant news of the successful reopening of the Warri Refinery.

    The 125,000 refinery long comatose was opened yesterday, December 30, by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as a noteworthy milestone in 2024.

     This follows the November restart of the Port Harcourt Refinery, which processes 60,000 barrels per day.  

    After years of dormancy, the Warri Refinery now operates at 60% of its 125,000-barrel-per-day capacity.

    This progress aligns with the administration’s plans to boost local refining and position Nigeria as a leader in downstream oil and gas activities across Africa.  

    The overhaul of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries began under the previous administration, with contracts awarded for their rehabilitation.

    Tinubu emphasized that this achievement demonstrates his government’s commitment to enhancing energy production and ensuring national energy security.  

    NNPCL is also tasked with completing repairs on the Kaduna Refinery and the second Port Harcourt Refinery to further solidify Nigeria’s standing in global energy markets.

    These ongoing efforts aim to make Nigeria a hub for refining and industrial activities, while ensuring a steady supply of critical petroleum products such as kerosene and automotive gas oil.  

    This development closes the year on a high note for Nigeria’s oil sector, reinforcing the nation’s position as a major crude oil producer and strengthening public optimism for future industrial growth.  

  • Kado Estate Residents Struggle with Water Shortage, Urge FCT Minister’s Help

    Kado Estate Residents Struggle with Water Shortage, Urge FCT Minister’s Help

    For over two months, residents of Kado Housing Estate in Abuja have faced a persistent water shortage, leaving many without reliable access to this basic necessity. 

    The issue began in early November after a brief pipeline maintenance announcement, but instead of resolving the problem, water supply in most areas ceased entirely.  

    Residents report that only a few homes receive minimal water late at night, forcing many to travel long distances to fetch water even during the festive season. 

    The situation has raised concerns about potential health risks from inadequate sanitation.  

    READ ALSO: 25,000 Barrels/day Warri Refinery Resumes Operation

    Efforts to address the issue with the FCT Water Board have been unsuccessful, with some residents alleging that water meant for their estate has been redirected to other districts. 

    In frustration, the Kado Estate Residents Association has appealed directly to the FCT Minister, urging immediate action to restore water supply and alleviate the hardship.

    “The residents of Kado Housing Estate (Phases 1 and 2) are constrained to send a public appeal to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike to urgently intervene to bring to an immediate end to the seemingly intractable water scarcity that the Estate has been subjected to for over two months,” they wrote in a statement signed by officials of the Estate Association, Dr. James Odaudu and Kola Olatode.

  • Police Intensify Crackdown on Kidnapping and Robbery, Rescue 13 Victims

    Police Intensify Crackdown on Kidnapping and Robbery, Rescue 13 Victims

    The Nigeria Police Force has reinforced its operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, and related crimes, yielding notable results in recent days. 

    Through targeted efforts in various states, officers successfully rescued 13 kidnapped individuals and apprehended multiple robbery suspects while recovering a cache of weapons.  

    On December 27, 2024, officers in Kwara State stormed a hideout in Idofin-Igbana, freeing 13 hostages after a confrontation with the kidnappers, who fled with injuries.

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     The following day in Lagos, police intercepted two individuals at Pinnacle Depot, Lekki, discovering firearms, including a double-barrel rifle and 90 cartridges.

     In another operation at Ikeja GRA, three suspected robbers were arrested, and weapons, including a locally made pistol and cutlasses, were seized.  

    The Inspector-General of Police has assured the public of the Force’s continued efforts to curb criminal activities and ensure community safety. Investigations are ongoing, with suspects facing prosecution soon.

  • 13 Burnt To Death In Ondo Road Crash

    13 Burnt To Death In Ondo Road Crash

     

    A devastating accident on the Owo-Ikare highway in Ondo State has claimed the lives of 13 passengers. 

    The crash occurred at Abule Panu near Ose Bridge, where two buses collided and burst into flames.  

    The incident involved 14 passengers, with only one survivor, who sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo. 

    Reports indicate that a tyre burst on one of the buses led to the driver losing control, resulting in a head-on collision with the second bus, which was transporting fabrics. 

    Both vehicles were engulfed in fire after the collision.  

    Emergency responders, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), police, and fire service, arrived promptly to assist. 

    The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the morgue.  

    Drivers are urged to maintain their vehicles and practice caution, while passengers are encouraged to speak up against unsafe driving practices.

  • Tinubu Celebrates Minister’s New Traditional Title

    Tinubu Celebrates Minister’s New Traditional Title

    President Bola Tinubu has celebrated the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu, on receiving the traditional title Danmadin Yauri.

     The title was bestowed by the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammed Zayyanu Abdullahi, in Kebbi State.  

    Acknowledging the honor, President Tinubu noted the recognition as a reflection of Dr. Sununu’s role within the federal cabinet and his contributions to improving humanitarian efforts across the nation.  

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    Dr. Sununu, previously a member of the House of Representatives for Yauri, is also an experienced obstetrician and gynecologist. 

    The President expressed confidence that this honor will motivate him to further his efforts in public service.  

    The turbaning ceremony, set for December 28, is expected to bring together family, friends, and supporters to mark the occasion. 

    President Tinubu extended his best wishes to all participants for a joyful event.